Dublin City University has today announced the appointment of Brid Horan as the new Chancellor of the university.
Brid Horan, a native of Donegal, has over 30 years’ experience in executive, non-executive, and voluntary roles in leading private and public sector organisations and a distinguished record of service and advocacy in NGOs and the arts.
On her new role, Ms Horan commented, “Higher education makes an immense contribution to Ireland’s social and economic well-being and success. Dublin City University plays a key role in this by providing life-changing, and life-long, learning opportunities, rooted in excellence in teaching, impactful research, innovation, and broadening access. I’m grateful to the President and Governing Authority of Dublin City University for the honour of being appointed as Chancellor. I look forward to working with all in DCU who are passionate about providing a first class university experience for our students and to supporting our community, society, and the economy.”
Chancellor Brid Horan succeeds Dr Martin McAleese who has served two terms as DCU Chancellor since 2011.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has held senior executive positions with ESB as Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive; she is chair of the Irish Cancer Society and co-founded the 30% Club Ireland, which promotes gender-balance, including opportunities for women to study for careers in STEM -science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She has served on the board of IDA Ireland, and recently completed a term as a board member of the Dublin Theatre Festival.
Brid has also served as a member of DCU Governing Authority from September 2014 to June 2021, on the Audit Committee from 2014 to 2016 and as Committee Chair from 2016 to 2021.
Prior to joining the Authority in 2014, she was also appointed by the Minister for Education and Skills as an external member of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education in Ireland (generally known as the Cassells Group).
In 2016, she was appointed by the Higher Education Authority as Chair of an International Expert Panel to undertake a review of Ireland’s Higher Education Funding Allocation Model.
The role of Chancellor involves working closely with DCU’s Governing Authority to ensure good governance, integrity and accountability across the University, exercising oversight of the university’s strategic direction, approving the strategic plan and ensuring its successful implementation. The role also includes ceremonial and ambassadorial duties, including the conferring of degrees at graduation ceremonies.
In welcoming Ms Horan to the role, President of DCU Professor Daire Keogh said:
“Brid Horan has an exceptional record of leadership and service to Irish society, industry, education, equality, and the arts. She has championed the values of DCU throughout a distinguished career, and her experience provides her with unparalleled insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Irish universities. I am delighted to welcome Brid Horan as Chancellor, confident that her leadership will advance DCU’s mission to Transform Lives and Society.”
The Chancellor’s appointment was made at the first meeting of DCU’s new Governing Authority which is gender balanced, includes representatives from the world of Education, Industry and the Arts and reflects the values and needs of the university. The full list of members can be viewed here.
You Might Also Like
